Kettle & Stony Point to distribute land claim payments

Kettle and Stony Point First Nation says the settlement payment from a 168-year-old land claim will be distributed to its members this week.

Chief Jason Henry said each member, registered as of April 19, 2021, will receive a lump sum of $4,400.

Chief Henry said the finance department prefers to issue the payments electronically to ensure the health and safety of members and staff is maintained during Ontario's stay-at-home order.

Chief Henry said cheque pickups will be scheduled at Hillside gym, by last name, May 27, 28 and 29 and cheques will be mailed to members on May 31.

Last year, the Government of Canada agreed to pay the First Nation $17,214,909 as its share of a $35,728,354 settlement that also included Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

The payments are compensation for the misuse of funds from the sale of lands in 1853.

Council decided in early April to distribute 75 per cent of the funds to community members immediately, and hold the remaining 25 per cent for infrastructure investments following community consultation.

Payments to minors will be placed in trust until they turn 18-years-old.